Powerful gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
