Powerful gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
