Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
