Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
