Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
