Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to halt more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
