Intense gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
