Intense gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
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 better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
