Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
