Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
