Powerful gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
