Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, while officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.