Severe gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
