Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to call off more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
