Powerful winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
