Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
