Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
