Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to halt more than 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, though agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been halted due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
