Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
