Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, although authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
