Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
