Severe gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
