Intense winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to halt over 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
