Severe gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
