Powerful gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
