Intense gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
