Powerful winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
