Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced officials to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
