Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
