Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted 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 thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
