Intense gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
