Intense gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
