Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
