Severe gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
