Intense gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
