Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
