Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
