Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
