Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
