Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, although agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
