Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
