Intense gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
