Intense gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties without power and led officials to cancel over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though agencies state 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.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
