Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
