Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
