Powerful gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to call off over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
