Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
