Severe gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
