Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
