Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to call off over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
