Intense gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
