Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
