Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
