Powerful gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
