Intense gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
