Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
