Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, though officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
