Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
