Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
