Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
