Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual 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 road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
