Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
