Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb 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 powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
