Powerful gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual 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 swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
