Severe gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
