Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
