Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
