Severe gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, although authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
