Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
