Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, although agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
