Powerful winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
