Intense gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
