Intense gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to call off over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, 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 weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
