Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
