Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
