Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
