Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
