Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
