Intense winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
