Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, while officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
