Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
