Powerful gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
