Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
