Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
