Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, though officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of wildfires.
