Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
