Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, although agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
