Severe gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
