Intense gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, while officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
