Powerful gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
