Severe gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
