Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
