Severe gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
