Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
