Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
