Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
