Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
