Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and compelled agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
