Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
