Intense gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
