Powerful winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and led officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been halted as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
