Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
