Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
