Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
