Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
