Powerful winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
