Intense gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
