Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
