Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to halt more than 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
