Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
