Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
