Severe gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
