Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
