Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
