Intense winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
