Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
