Severe winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
