Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
