Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, although agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
