Severe gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and led authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
