Severe gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
