Intense gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
