Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.