Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
