Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
