Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.