Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, though officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
