Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
