Severe gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
