Severe gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
