Intense gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
