Powerful gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
