Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
