Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
