Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
