Intense winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to call off over 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
