Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
