Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, although officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
