Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
