Powerful winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
