Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas 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 core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
