Severe gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
