Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
