Intense gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
