Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
