Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
