Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
