Severe gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, though officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
