Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
