Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
