Powerful winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, although officials report that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
