Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
