Severe winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
