Powerful gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
