Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
