Severe gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
