Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
