Severe gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to call off over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
