Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and led officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
