Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
