Severe gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, although officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
