Powerful gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
