Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
