Severe gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
