Intense gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
