Intense gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although agencies state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
