Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
