Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
