Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, although authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
