Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
