Powerful winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of wildfires.
