Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
