Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
