Intense gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been suspended due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
