Severe winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
