Powerful gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
