Severe gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
