Severe gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
