Severe gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person 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 swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
