Powerful winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.