Powerful gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, though officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
