Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars 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 urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
