Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
