Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, 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 female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
