Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
