Powerful gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
