Intense winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
