Intense winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
