Powerful gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
