Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
