Powerful winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
