Intense gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the city have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
