Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
