Severe gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
