Intense winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, although officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
