Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
