Severe gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and led agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
