Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
