Severe gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
