Powerful winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
