Severe gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
