Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
