Severe gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
