Powerful gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to halt over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, though officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
