Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
