Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
