Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
