Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
