Severe gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
