Intense gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
