Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
