Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
