Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
