Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
