Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region 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 most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
