Severe winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
