Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
