Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to halt over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female 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.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
