Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
