Powerful gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
