Powerful winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
