Powerful winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
