Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
