Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
