Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
