Intense gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to call off more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
