Intense winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
