Powerful winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
