Intense winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to call off over 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, although officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
