Intense gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
