Severe winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
