Intense gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, while officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
