Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
