Intense gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to call off more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
