Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
