Severe gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
