Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
