Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to call off over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
