Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
