Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
