Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
