Severe winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
