Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
