Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
