Powerful winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
