Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
