Intense gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to 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 severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, although officials report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
