Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
