Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
