Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to call off over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
