Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
