Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
