Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
