Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path 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 incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
