Intense gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
