Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
