Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
