Intense gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
