Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, while authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
