Intense winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
