Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
