Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
