Powerful gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
