Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, although officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
