Intense gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled officials to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
