Powerful gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
