Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.