Powerful gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
