Severe winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
