Powerful winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
