Intense gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt over 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
