Powerful gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island 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 encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
