Powerful gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
