Severe winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
