Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
