Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been suspended due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
