Intense gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
