Severe winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
