Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
