Severe gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
