Intense gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
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.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
