Powerful winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to cancel more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
