Severe gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, though officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
