Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
