Intense gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
