Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, although agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
