Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
