Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and compelled officials to cancel over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
