Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
