Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
