Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
