Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
