Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
