Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.