Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, though officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
