Powerful winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.