Powerful winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
