Powerful gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
