Intense gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
