Powerful gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
