Intense gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
