Intense winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to halt over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
