Severe winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
