Intense gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
