Severe gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
