Intense winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
