Severe gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, although officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
