Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and led authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
