Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
