Severe winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
