Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
