Powerful winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, while officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated 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 man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
