Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
