Powerful gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
