Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt more than 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
