Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
