Powerful gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled 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 oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages 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 described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
