Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
