Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to halt over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
