Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
