Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
