Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
