Severe gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, while officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
