Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
