Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
