Severe gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
