Severe winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
