Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
