Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
