Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
