Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
