Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, although authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
