Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
