Intense gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
