Severe gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, although officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
