Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
