Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
