Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
