Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
