Powerful gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
