Severe winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
