Powerful gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
