Severe winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
