Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
