Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person 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 individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
