Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the winds, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
