Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, although officials report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
