Severe gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
