Powerful gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
