Powerful gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
