Severe winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
