Powerful gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
