Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
