Powerful gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
