Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
