Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
