Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
