Powerful winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
