Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led agencies to call off more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
