Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to halt over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
