Powerful winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
