Intense gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
