Intense gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
