Powerful winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
