Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
