Intense winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt over 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
