Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
