Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
