Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
