Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, while agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
