Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
