Intense gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been halted due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
