Severe gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
