Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
