Severe winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch 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 powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
