Severe gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
