Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
