Powerful gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
