Powerful winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
