Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
