Severe gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
