Powerful winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
