Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
