Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.