Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
