Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
