Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
