Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
