Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual 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 swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
