Powerful gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
