Intense gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.