Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
