Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
