Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
