Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
