Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
