Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
