Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, although officials report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
