Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, though officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
