Severe winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
