Severe gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
