Intense gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
