Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
