Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been halted due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
