Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
