Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
