Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
