Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
