Powerful winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
