Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
