Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
