Intense gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
