Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas 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 frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
