Powerful gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
