Powerful winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
