Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
