Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
