Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
