Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
