Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
