Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
