Powerful gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
