Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
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 female was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
