Severe gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
