Intense gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
