Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
