Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
