Intense gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
