Severe gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
