Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
