Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
