Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to call off over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, while authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
