Powerful gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
