Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt more than 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person 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 female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
