Intense gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
