Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
