Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to halt over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
