Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to halt over 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
