Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
