Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
