Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
