Powerful gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, while agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
