Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
