Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
