Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
