Severe gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
