Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
