Powerful winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as 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 forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
