Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
