Intense winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off in excess of 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, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
