Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
