Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to halt more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
