Intense winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, though officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
