Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
