Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
