Severe gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
