Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
