Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
