Intense gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while officials say that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
