Severe gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
