Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
