Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, while agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
