Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, while officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
