Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
