Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
