Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
