Powerful gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
