Powerful gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
