Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
