Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
