Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across 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 female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
