Intense winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
