Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
