Severe gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials say that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
