Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
