Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel over 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
