Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
