Severe gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been halted because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
