Intense gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
