Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
