Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, though officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
