Intense gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, although officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
