Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
