Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
