Severe gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, although officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
