Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
