Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
