Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
