Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
