Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
