Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
