Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
