Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
