Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
