Intense gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
