Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
