Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
