Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
