Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
