Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
