Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
