Intense winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
