Powerful gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
