Intense gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
