Powerful gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
