Severe gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
