Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
