Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, although officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
