Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
