Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
