Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to cancel over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
