Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
